Premonitions in the Force (as well as on the Internet) are leading many to believe that Anakin Skywalker, played by Hayden Christensen, will play a key role in the Obi Wan series coming to Disney Plus. If so, what would his role be?
Let’s speculate…
Anakin Skywalker…Meet The Joker
Whatever Obi-Wan’s story, or call to action, in his series may be, I feel that there will always be a part of Anakin Skywalker that he carries with him. What do I mean by this? Let’s explore one of the most popular video game franchises of the new millennia: Batman: Arkham.
At the conclusion of the second game, Arkham City, Joker succumbs to the effects of a poison that has ravaged his body. In an instant, Batman’s greatest foe and one of the major driving forces of why he wears the cowl is gone forever. In the next and final game in the trilogy, Arkham Knight, Batman subconsciously carries the Joker with him…wherever he goes. At certain points, his mind physically manifests the Joker, where he constantly goads and berates the Dark Knight at every turn.
Imagine the conversations a world weary Obi-Wan would have with a phantom Anakin Skywalker. Living with guilt, feeling that he was a failed teacher. That he wish he saw the writing on the wall, the years and years of manipulation at the hands of Chancellor Palpatine. I feel this interesting angle will not only fuel the emotional stakes for McGregor’s Obi-Wan but also give Hayden Christensen a much needed redemption. Finally proving that he is much more of an actor, without the infamous wooden dialogue of the Prequel Trilogy.
Clone Wars Revisited
Another possible utilization of Hayden Christensen/Anakin Skywalker, albeit in a lesser capacity, would be the use of flashbacks to moments in the Clone Wars. These key moments and conversations between our master and apprentice would likely be Kenobi thinking back on Anakin’s true character, unclouded by the Dark Side.
Maybe Obi-Wan uses this as motivation to find the answers as to what happened to Anakin Skywalker after their near-fatal confrontation on Mustafar. Which leads us to…
VADER
I think Darth Vader will be in Disney+’s Obi-Wan series. But I do not think it would be a part Hayden Christensen would play. Vader needs to be in this series, and I don’t think it is for brand recognition or to boost subscribers due to including the franchise’s most recognizable character. I think the story demands it.
RELATED: DARTH VADER WILL REPORTEDLY ALSO APPEAR IN DISNEY+’S OBI-WAN KENOBI SERIES
How or when does Obi-Wan learn that his apprentice survived their battle on Mustafar? How is he able to speak to Luke about Vader, knowing that he is alive? What justifies this line of dialogue in their final confrontation aboard the Death Star:
When I left you I was but the learner
Darth Vader, A New Hope
Their confrontation here is too calm. Too familiar. Obi-Wan has seen Anakin as this Vader before, somehwere, and Disney +’s Obi-Wan series is almost certain to tell that story.
What role do you think Hayden Christensen and Anakin Skywalker will play if the rumors ring true? Let us know your theories!
KEEP READING: PRODUCTION OF OBI-WAN DISNEY+ SERIES IS SET: EXCLUSIVE
